The missions were primarily designed to bring the Catholic Christian faith to the native peoples. Other aims were to integrate the neophytes into
Spanish society, and to train them to take over ownership and management
of the land.

Serra was beatified by Pope John Paul II on September 25, 1988, and Pope Francis expects to canonize him in September 2015 during his first visit to the United States. Since this is timely, I thought it would be a good time to post the painting that I did of Father Serra's garden this past summer.

Whenever I visit California, it is almost a must for me to visit one or more of Father Serra's missions. They are all tranquil and lovely. My favorite of the missions is Mission Capistrano, which I've painted numerous times, but the Carmel Mission in Carmel, where Father Serra established his residence and is buried, is a close second.

The painting above is of Father Serra's Garden at the Carmel Mission, also known as Mission San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo. It was close to closing time when I was there that day, and the long shadows added an air of mystery to the little garden alcove. Adding to the enchantment, the statue of Father Serra had the smallest slice of butterlike light cascading over his head and down his shoulder, an almost seeming continuation of the rapidly melting late afternoon sunshine that was snaking down the terra cotta roof, where it made a nose dive and finally came to rest over the figure of Father Serra.

I wish the fountain had been on, as the fountain itself was still bathed in that lovely light and a little running water would have added additional drama.

To inquire about this painting, send me an email at maryannejacobsen@aol.com.

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Art Quote of the Month

“There are two kinds of artists, the emotional painter and the academician. The academician can paint into old age sitting on his stool licking his canvas until 98 years of age. The emotional artists burn himself up; he does not live long. The academician always creates something acceptable, boring, but acceptable. The emotional artist often misses, but when he hits, it is breathtakingly beautiful… touched by the gods!”

Sergei Bongart 1918-1985

RECENT NATIONAL SHOWS:

American Women Artists

I am very pleased to now be a Signature Member of this Wonderful Organization!

First Place!

Englewood Art Center- 11/2017

3rd Place

Third Place Award-Nov. 2017

3rd Place!

Visual Art Center, Nov.2017

First Place and Gallery Choice Award!

SRQ Painters-June 2015

Pas de trois

"Pas de Trois" was juried into the American Women Artists 16th annual national juried show

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About Me

Once upon a time I danced. As the Artistic Director of a very successful regional ballet company, I once directed dozens of dancers through scores of musical steps and lovely choreographed ballet performances. Today, I perform a very different kind of adagio as I direct dozens of tubes of paint and brushes and a jar of mucky turpentine through the steps required to create that very special painting that will hopefully touch someone in a special way. This blog records a history of my struggles as an emerging artist that took a road less traveled to achieve her lifelong dream of becoming a visual artist. Welcome friends, to my daily Paint Dance.***All art, poems and writings on this blog are copyright of the author/artist and may not be used or reproduced in any form without express WRITTEN permission from this blog's author.***